Jonathan Loáisiga DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

New York Yankees right-hander Jonathan Loaisiga (elbow) said he is targeting an end of May/beginning of June return this year, according to the New York Daily News' Gary Phillips. Loaisiga hasn't been able to escape elbow issues the last two years and tore his right UCL early last year. However, the 30-year-old veteran didn't need a full Tommy John procedure and could return to the Yankees at the tail end of the first half of the season, barring any setbacks in his recovery. The Nicaraguan hurler has only appeared in 20 games out of the bullpen the last two years for the Yankees because of his injuries, although he could play a key middle-relief role in the Bronx in the second half in 2025 if he's healthy. Loaisiga has pitched in high-leverage spots for the Yankees in the past, although his lack of strikeout upside doesn't make him all that attractive in deep fantasy leagues.

New York Yankees pitching coach Matt Blake said the hope is that right-hander Jonathan Loaisiga (elbow) will be ready to pitch for the team in late April or early May. Loaisiga avoided Tommy John surgery and instead had a UCL repair of his right elbow in April of this year. The 30-year-old veteran still has some rehab to do, but as long as he doesn't suffer a setback, his 2025 debut won't be delayed for too long. Despite not being fully healthy, the Yankees re-signed the Nicaraguan hurler. Loaisiga made his MLB debut in 2018 with the Yankees and has a 3.44 career ERA (3.59 FIP), a 1.23 WHIP, seven saves and a 207:72 K:BB in 219 2/3 innings over 163 appearances (11 starts). Because of his injury, Loaisiga is most likely to be a bullpen option for the Yankees when he returns, giving him little fantasy appeal.

According to Jorge Castillo of ESPN, the New York Yankees have signed relief pitcher Jonathan Loaisiga to a one-year contract. This deal includes a team option in 2026. The 30-year-old was only able to log four innings of relief before suffering a torn UCL, which cut his season short. The right-hander held a modest 3.06 ERA and 4.17 ERA during 2023 and 2022, which was a stark drop compared to the stellar 2.17 ERA he posted during his 2021 breakout campaign. During this season, Loaisiga held a strong 1.02 WHIP with a 16:69 BB:K ratio across 70 2/3 innings of work. While he has battled the injury bug over the past few seasons he could be worth a look in deeper formats that score holds as he will likely operate as a high-leverage relief option during the 2025 campaign. However, given his recovery window, he may not be ready in time for Spring Training.